Neuroinfections: Resolving mechanisms of fungal dissemination to the central nervous system.

We study the pathogenesis of human fungal pathogens with a particular focus on fungi that disseminate to the central nervous system (CNS). Among the pathogens we study is Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) – the leading cause of fungal meningoencephalitis. Our studies are aimed at resolving the molecular mechanisms mediating the interplay between fungi and the CNS. This interest was spearheaded in part by our study of the extracellular proteome of Cn, where we identified a key fungal secreted metalloprotease, Mpr1, that promotes fungal disease in the CNS. In parallel studies, we identified EphA2, a tyrosine kinase receptor in brain microvascular endothelial cells (a.k.a. the blood-brain barrier) and demonstrated that Cn engages EphA2 in order to access the CNS.

 

Assess strategies for modulating blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurovascular function following acute organophosphate intoxication.

CounterACT Center of Excellence

https://counteract.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/projects/project-2

 

Translational Studies.

Current studies include translation of our basic research to identify novel peptides with antifungal activity, to develop novel antifungals via drug screens aimed at blocking Mpr1 protease activity,  and to develop a platform technology that will deliver therapeutic drugs across the blood-brain barrier by conjugating  Mpr1 to drug-loaded nanocarriers.

 

How endothelial cell senescence impacts the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.

Our interest in the blood-brain barrier during pathological conditions has resulted in an NIH-funded collaborative study, with Drs. Lein and Knowlton, (UCD) aimed at understanding how vascular endothelial cell senescence during aging alters blood-brain barrier function and how that impacts the onset of dementia.

 

Discovery of novel of peptides with antifungal activity.

We are very excited about  a collaborative study with Dr. K. Lam (UCD) to identify novel peptides with antifungal activity using the OBOC (one bead one compound) technology that Dr. Lam invented.

 

Resolving mechanisms of Coccidioides pathogenesis.

Our  research efforts include collaborative studies with Dr. Thompson (UCD), aimed at the  characterization of the extracellular proteome of the parasitic phase of Coccidioides, the cause of Valley Fever in the southwestern United States . The goals are to resolve  the role of these secreted proteins in  the pulmonary-to-CNS dissemination of Coccidioides and to establish  a novel diagnostic tool that would differentiate a pulmonary cancer nodule from a fungal nodule.

 

Follow the Gelli Lab on Twitter: @ GelliAngie

Contact: Angie Gelli, acgelli@ucdavis.edu, University of California, Davis